Banana: Better use for prisoners of war

[Bj�rn Hedin]

To: The Ministers of the realm From: Duc Axel von Fersen   Ministers,   as you all know France has been at war with several other nations during the last decades. During this time we have been quite successful and we now have several thousands prisoners of war. These men are often used to dig canals or other kinds of hard labour. For some this is indeed the only activity they are suited for, but for others this is both humiliating and a waste of resources.   For these prisoners, mainly nobility or experienced soldiers, I have an idea that I would like to hear your opinions on. The idea is that these men could earn their freedom by fighting for France! We could set up a number of regiments, ethnically divided by nationalities. These regiments would then serve in our wars against our enemies and after a period of 10 years they would be free to either continue as free men in our armies or go home to their own countries. Many would probably stay and new prisoners could fill the positions of those who choose to leave.   Of course regiments such as these could not be trusted in the same degree as our own regiments but there is always a need for "canon fodder" so to speak. It is also of vital importance not to let these regiments fight against their own countrymen but since we are often at war with several nations this would not often be a problem.   This will we one point on the agenda for january. Please send your comments before the meeting.   Duc Axel von Fersen Minister of State